Optical termination enclosure

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to an optical termination enclosure having an enclosure housing containing a fiber management assembly. The enclosure housing can define sealed cable ports and can include cable anchor mounting locations in alignment with the cable ports. Cable anchoring and grounding units can be attached at the cable anchor mounting locations. The fiber management assembly can include a fiber break-out arrangement including a resilient grommet used to anchor a protective tube that carries optical fibers from the cable anchor mounting location to the fiber management assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is being filed on Jun. 15, 2016 as a PCT InternationalPatent Application and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/182,064, filed Jun. 19, 2015 and claims the benefit of U.S.Patent Application Ser. No. 62/320,968, filed Apr. 11, 2016, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic cable networks.More specifically, the present disclosure relates to cable enclosures,cable anchoring systems and fiber management systems used in fiber opticcable networks.

BACKGROUND

In many traditional communications networks, fiber optic cables havebeen used to carry data long distances between telecommunication companyinstallations. In such traditional communications networks, other typesof cables, such as copper wire loops and coaxial cables, have been usedto carry data from telecommunication company installations to homes andbusinesses. Recently, there has been a movement to extend the fiberoptic portion of the communications networks closer to homes andbusinesses. In some circumstances, the fiber optic portions of thecommunications networks extend into to the homes and businessesthemselves.

Extending the fiber optic portion of a communications network closer tohomes and businesses has necessitated the deployment of OpticalTermination Enclosures (OTEs). An OTE is an enclosure that is designedto facilitate splicing and termination of one or more fiber opticcables. A typical OTE has a set of cable entry ports through which fiberoptic cables enter the OTE. One or more of the cable entry ports mayaccommodate “feeder” cables that connect to upstream points, such astelecommunication company installations, in a communications network.One or more of the other cable entry ports may accommodate “drop” cablesthat connect to downstream points in the communications network, such ashomes and businesses.

OTEs are frequently mounted on utility poles, walls, utility boxes, andother outdoor surfaces. Because OTEs are mounted outdoors, they areexposed to various environmental elements such as heat, cold, dust,sunlight, rain, snow, plants, animals, and so on. Because the splicingand termination capabilities of an OTE would be destroyed or impaired ifsuch environmental elements were permitted to access the interior of theOTE, it is important to ensure that such environmental elements are notpermitted to access the interior of the OTE.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to structures, features andmethods for facilitating anchoring, breaking out, and otherwise managingsignal conveyance lines/structures (e.g., fiber optic cables, electricalcables, optical fibers, conductors, etc.).

Aspects of the present disclosure also relate to optical fiber break-outarrangements that use resilient grommets to anchor protective tubes(e.g., furcation tubes, buffer tubes, etc.) to a structure such as afiber management tray.

Aspects of the present disclosure further relate to a cable anchoringunit having a cable jacket clamping location and a separate cablestrength member clamping locations. In certain examples, a cable jacketcan be pre-anchored to the cable jacket clamping location and a cablestrength member can be pre-anchored to the strength-member anchoringlocation before the cable anchoring unit is attached to a correspondingmounting location such as a mounting location within an enclosure. Incertain examples the cable anchoring unit also functions to make anelectrical ground connection with the cable (e.g., when the cable is ashielded cable).

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in thedescription that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individualfeatures and to combinations of features. It is to be understood thatboth the foregoing general description and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictiveof the broad inventions and inventive concepts upon which theembodiments disclosed herein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an optical termination enclosure inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the enclosureis shown in a closed position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the optical termination enclosure ofFIG. 1 shown in an open position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the optical termination enclosure ofFIG. 1 showing a fiber management assembly exploded out from anenclosure housing of the optical termination enclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the optical termination enclosure ofFIG. 1 showing trays of the fiber management assembly pivoted up;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another optical termination enclosurein accordance with the principles of the present disclosure showingtrays of a fiber management assembly pivoted up;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fiber management base of the fibermanagement assembly of the optical termination enclosure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an arrangement in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure for anchoring a protectivetube to a tray or other structure;

FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 6;

FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of a another portion of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 shows a cable anchoring and grounding unit in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the cable anchoring and grounding unit ofFIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows the cable and anchoring unit of FIG. 7 with interchangeableplates that allow the cable and anchoring unit to be customized for leftside grounding, right side grounding, or no grounding;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an example fiber optic adapter andcorresponding connectors that can be used with the optical terminationenclosure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of the fiber optic adapter and one ofthe fiber optic connectors of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side view of one of the grommets of the arrangement of FIG.6;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the grommet of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an end view of the grommet of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of a portion of a base tray of FIG. 5;

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the grommet of FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 is a perspective front end view of another optical terminationenclosure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;the enclosure is shown in a closed position;

FIG. 18 is a perspective rear end view of the enclosure of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is perspective view of the enclosure of FIG. 17 in an openposition;

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the enclosure of FIG. 19depicting a cable insert assembly in accordance with the principles ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is rear perspective view of the enclosure of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of a portion of the enclosure of FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the cable insert assembly of FIG. 20;and

FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of the portion of the enclosure of FIG. 22showing the cable insert assembly mounted in the enclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an optical termination enclosure 20 in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure. The optical terminationenclosure includes an enclosure housing 22 which is preferablyre-enterable and environmentally sealed. The optical terminationenclosure 22 further includes a plurality of ruggedized connector ports24 adapted for receiving ruggedized connectors. In certain examples, theruggedized connectors are mounted at the ends of drop cables routed tosubscriber locations. The ruggedized connector ports 24 are preferablyenvironmentally sealed. The optical termination enclosure 20 alsoincludes a plurality of cable ports 26 for allowing fiber optic cablesto be routed into and out of the enclosure housing 22. Preferably, thecable ports 26 provided sealed interfaces with the fiber optic cablesrouted there through. In certain examples, the fiber optic cables can berouted in a straight pass-through configuration or in a butt-stylepass-through configuration. The optical termination enclosure 20 furtherincludes a grounding cable port 28 for receiving a grounding cable in asealed manner. Additionally, as shown at FIG. 2, the optical terminationenclosure 20 further includes an internal fiber management assembly 30and an internal cable anchoring and grounding assembly 32. The fibermanagement assembly 30 and the cable anchoring and grounding assembly 32are positioned inside the enclosure housing 22.

Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2, the enclosure housing 22 of theoptical termination enclosure 20 includes a housing base 34 pivotallyconnected to a housing cover 36 by a hinge 38. The hinge 38 allows thehousing base 34 and the housing cover 36 to pivot relative to oneanother about a pivot axis 40 between a closed configuration (seeFIG. 1) and an open position (see FIG. 2). The enclosure housing 22includes a first side 42 and an opposite second side 44. The hinge 38extends along the first side 42 of the enclosure housing 22 and a latch46 is provided at the second side 44 of the enclosure housing 22. Thelatch 46 is configured to retain the housing base 34 and the housingcover 36 in the closed configuration of FIG. 1. By opening the latch 46,the enclosure housing 22 can be moved to the open configuration of FIG.2.

In certain examples, the enclosure housing 22 is environmentally sealedand adapted for outdoor use. As shown at FIG. 2, the enclosure housing22 includes a perimeter seal 48 for providing environmental sealingbetween the housing base 34 and the housing cover 36 when the enclosurehousing 22 is in the closed configuration. The perimeter seal 48 can bemounted within a perimeter channel 50 defined by the housing base 34. Incertain examples, a thickened portion 52 of the perimeter seal 48 can beused to provide sealing of the cable ports 26 and the grounding cableport 28.

Referring to FIG. 1, the enclosure housing 22 can be elongated along ahousing axis 54. The housing axis 54 can extend between opposite firstand second ends 56, 58 of the enclosure housing 22. The cable ports 26as well as the cable grounding port 28 are provided at the first end 56of the enclosure housing 22. At least one of the cable ports 26 can alsobe provided at the second end 58 of the enclosure housing 22. In certainexamples, the cable ports 26 can be configured for routing a feedercable into and out of the enclosure housing 22. In a butt-stylepass-through configuration, a feeder cable enters the enclosure housing22 through one of the cable ports 26 at the first end 56 of theenclosure housing 22 and exits the enclosure housing 22 through anotherone of the cable ports 26 at the first end 56 of the enclosure housing22. In a straight pass-through configuration, the feeder cable entersthe enclosure housing 22 through one of the cable ports 26 at the firstend 56 of the enclosure housing 22 and exits the enclosure housing 22through the cable port 26 at the second end 58 of the enclosure housing22. Within the enclosure housing 22, at least one of the optical fibersof the feeder cable is accessed. In certain examples, the portion of thefeeder cable positioned within the enclosure housing 22 has the jacketremoved to facilitate accessing the optical fibers.

The housing base 34 of the enclosure housing 22 can include structurefor mounting the optical termination enclosure 20 in the field. Incertain examples, the optical termination enclosure 20 can be mountedaerially or underground. In certain examples, the housing base 34 caninclude mounting tabs 60 for use in mounting the optical terminationenclosure 20 to a wall of a handhole, to a post, to a pole or to anotherstructure with the use of fasteners, straps, ties, or other structures.In certain examples, the optical termination enclosure 20 can furtherinclude a bracket or other structure having openings that facilitatemounting the optical termination enclosure 20 to a self-supportingaerial cable or other structure via the fastening elements such asstraps, ties, or other fasteners.

Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2, the enclosure housing 22 can include afront face 62 and a rear face 64. When the optical termination enclosure20 is mounted to another structure, rear face 64 typically faces towardthe other structure and the front face 62 faces outwardly from the otherstructure. The ruggedized connector ports 24 are provided at the frontface 62 of the enclosure housing 22. As best shown at FIG. 1, the frontface 22 can include a stepped configuration (i.e., a tieredconfiguration) that includes a plurality of adapter mounting surfaces 66that are angled to face at least partially toward the first end 56 ofthe enclosure housing 22. The adapter mounting surface 66 defineopenings in which ruggedized fiber optic adapters 70 are mounted. Thefiber optic adapters 70 are configured to define the connector ports 24.FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate one of the fiber optic adapters 70 inisolation from the enclosure housing 22. The fiber optic adapter 70 hasan outer end 72 that defines one of the ruggedized connector ports 24.The fiber optic adapter 70 also includes an inner end 74 defining anon-ruggedized port 76 adapted for receiving a non-ruggedized fiberoptic connector 78 such as an SC-style connector. The ruggedized cableport 26 is adapted for receiving a ruggedized connector 80 that canterminate the end of a cable such as a drop cable 82. The ruggedizedconnector 80 can include a robust fastening element for securing theruggedized connector 80 within the cable port 26. In the depictedexample, the robust fastening element includes a nut 82 having externalthreads 84 that mate with internal threads 86 of the fiber optic adapter70. In certain examples, the fastening arrangement can withstand apull-out force of at least twenty-five pounds or at least fifty pounds.While the fastening arrangement has been depicted as threads, in otherexamples, other types of fastening arrangements such as bayonet-stylefastening interfaces can be used. Additionally, in other examples, theruggedized connector can include a sleeve having internal threads thatmate with external threads of the fiber optic adapter.

It will be appreciated that the fiber optic adapter 70 is configured toprovide an optical coupling between the ruggedized connector 80 and thenon-ruggedized connector 78. In this regard, the fiber optic adapter 70includes an internal ferrule alignment sleeve 88. When the connectors78, 80 are secured within their corresponding ports of the fiber opticadapter 70, ferrules 90, 92 of the fiber optic connectors 78, 80 arereceived within the ferrule alignment sleeve 88 such that optical fiberssupported within the ferrules 90, 92 are co-axially aligned with oneanother. In this way, an optical connection is made between thenon-ruggedized connector 78 and the ruggedized connector 80.

It will be appreciated that the fiber optic adapter 70 is preferablyenvironmentally sealed relative to the enclosure housing 22. In thisregard, the fiber optic adapter 70 can include a seal 94 that iscompressed between the adapter mounting surface 66 and a flange 96 ofthe fiber optic adapter 70 when the fiber optic adapter 70 is installedwithin one of the openings in the adapter mounting surface 66. Afastener such as a threaded sleeve 98 can be used to secure the fiberoptic adapter 70 within its corresponding opening.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the housing base 34 can include a cradle 100for receiving and mounting the fiber management assembly 30. The cradle100 can include a cradle wall 102 arranged in a generally U-shapedconfiguration. The cradle wall 102 projects forwardly from a rear wall104 of the housing base 34. A plurality of support columns 106 alsoproject forwardly from the rear wall 104. The support columns 106 arepositioned along an inner side of the cradle wall 102. The cradle 100further includes retention tabs 108 that project inwardly from thecradle wall 102. As shown at FIG. 4, the housing base 34 can alsoinclude a fiber bend radius limiter 110 (e.g., a curved fiber guidewall) that projects forwardly from the rear wall 104.

As shown at FIGS. 2-4, the fiber management assembly 30 includes a fibermanagement assembly base 120 and a plurality of fiber management trays122 pivotally connected to the fiber management assembly base 120. Thefiber management trays 122 include a first fiber management tray 122 a,a second fiber management tray 122 b, and a third fiber management tray122 c which are stacked one on top of the other with the first fibermanagement tray 122 a positioned at a rear-most location and the thirdfiber management tray 122 c positioned at a front-most position. Bypivoting the fiber management trays 122 a-122 c, each of the fibermanagement trays 122 a-122 c can be readily accessed.

Referring to FIG. 5, the fiber management assembly base 120 is generallyU-shaped and is bisected by a central axis 124. The fiber managementassembly base 120 includes a mid-portion 126 that is bisected by thecentral axis 124, and two parallel legs 128 positioned on opposite sidesof the central axis 124. The legs 128 project outwardly from themid-portion 126 and define fiber lead-in channels 130 for guidingoptical fibers to the mid-portion 126. Tray mounts 132 are positioned atthe mid-portion 126. The tray mounts 132 include receptacles 134 inwhich pivot-pins of the fiber management trays 122 are snapped. The traymounts 132 are positioned at different elevations from one another andcan include a first tray mount 132 a corresponding to the first fibermanagement tray 120 a, a second tray mount 132 b corresponding to thesecond fiber management tray 122 b and a third tray mount 132 bcorresponding to the third fiber management tray 122 c. The tray mount132 a is lower (e.g., more rearward) than the tray mount 132 b and thetray mount 132 b is lower (e.g., more rearward) than the tray mount 132c. The fiber management assembly base 120 includes separate channels 136a-136 c corresponding to each of the tray mounts 132 a-132 c. The fibermanagement assembly base 120 can be ramped so as to direct opticalfibers to the different elevations of the tray mounts 132 a-132 c.

It will be appreciated that the fiber management trays 122 can includevarious fiber management structures. Example fiber management structuresinclude guide channels for guiding optical fibers, bend radius limiters,structure for storing excess optical fiber in loops, optical spliceholders, and other structures. Additionally, optical components such aspassive optical power splitters, coarse wavelength divisionmultiplexers, dense wavelength division multiplexers, or othercomponents can be mounted on one or more of the fiber management trays122. In certain examples, a passive optical power splitter can bemounted on one of the trays and can include connectorized outputpigtails that are routed from the fiber management assembly 30 to theinner ends 74 of the fiber optic adapters 70. For example, as shown atFIG. 3, connectorized ends 138 of the output pigtails of the passiveoptical power splitter are shown plugged into the inner ends 74 of thefiber optic adapters 70. The connectorized ends 138 can include thenon-ruggedized fiber optic connectors 78. It will be appreciated that aninput of the passive optical power splitter can be optically connected(e.g., fusion spliced or otherwise spliced) to one of the optical fibersof a feeder cable routed through the optical termination enclosure 20.Additionally, in certain examples, output pigtails from passive opticalsplitters can also be optically connected to (e.g., spliced to) dropcables routed out of the enclosure housing 22 through selected ones ofthe cable ports 26

In other examples, an optical fiber of the feeder cable can be splicedto an input of a wavelength division multiplexer. The wavelengthdivision multiplexor can have output pigtails having connectorized endsinserted into the inner ends 74 of the fiber optic adapters 70.Alternatively, certain outputs of the wavelength division multiplexercan be spliced to drop cables routed out selected ones of the cableports 26. In certain examples, optical power splitters or wavelengthdivision multiplexers used within the optical termination enclosure 20can have more outputs than the number of fiber optic adapters 70provided. In such cases, additional drops can be provided by splicingthe excess outputs to cables routed out the extra cable ports 26. Instill other examples, selected fibers from the feeder cable may bespliced or otherwise optically connected to drop cables routed out ofthe enclosure housing 22 through cable ports 26. Fibers from the feedercable can also be or spliced or otherwise optically connected directlyto pigtails having connectorized ends inserted into the inner ends 74 ofthe fiber optic adapters 70. Thus, in such examples, non-split orwavelength divided signals can be output from the optical terminationenclosure 20 through either the fiber optic adapters 70 defining theconnector ports 24 or through the cable ports 26.

In certain examples, connectorized pigtails corresponding to opticalpower splitters or wavelength division multiplexers provided on at leastone of the fiber management trays 22 can be routed to the fiber opticadapters 70 along a predetermined route designed to minimize movement ofthe pigtails. For example, the pigtails can be routed from theircorresponding fiber management tray 22 to the fiber lead-in channel 130located closest to the hinge 38. From the fiber lead-in channel 130 theconnectorized pigtails can be routed down a ramp 140 and out a sideopening 142 of the corresponding leg 128. Thereafter, the pigtails canbe routed across the hinge 38 and into one or more fiber managementstructures (e.g., channels or other fiber pathways) defined within theinterior of the housing cover 36. The portions of the pigtailstraversing the hinge can be protected by spiral wrap. Ultimately, theconnectorized ends of the pigtails are routed to the fiber opticadapters 70 and plugged into the non-ruggedized ports 76 of the fiberoptic adapters 70.

In certain examples, the cable ports 26 can be sealed with plugs 27 whennot occupied with cables. In certain examples, the plugs 27 areremovable when the enclosure housing 22 is in the open configuration.With the enclosure housing 22 is in the open configuration, the plugs 27can be removed thereby allowing cables to be inserted within the vacatedcable ports 26.

To mount the fiber management assembly 30 within the housing base 34,the fiber management assembly base 120 is nested within the cradle 102.As so nested, the fiber management assembly base 120 is supported on thesupport columns 106 within the cradle 100 at an elevated positionrelative to the rear wall 104. In this way, space is provided beneaththe fiber management assembly base 120 for storing non-accessed opticalfibers of the feeder cable. In certain examples, the non-accessed fibersare stored in a fiber loop beneath the fiber management assembly base120. In certain examples, the fiber management assembly base 120 can beconnected to the cradle wall 102 by a snap-fit connection. For example,the retention tabs 108 that project from the cradle wall 102 can snapwithin corresponding notches 144 defined in the legs 128 of the fibermanagement assembly base 120.

FIG. 4A shows an alternative snap configuration of a retention housing107 that projects from the cradle wall 102. Legs 128 a of the fibermanagement assembly base 120 can snap within the retention housing 107to mount the fiber management assembly 30 within in the housing base 34.

In certain examples of the present disclosure, it will be appreciatedthat the fiber management assembly base 120, itself can be considered asa tray. Generally, as used herein, fiber management trays are modularstructures having features for managing optical fibers such as channels,bend radius limiters, fiber routing paths or other structures. Trays canalso have structures for holding fiber optic components such as passiveoptical splitters, wavelength division multiplexers or splice sleeves.

In certain examples, optical fibers from the feeder cable can be routedinto the fiber management assembly 30 through ends 144 of the legs 128of the fiber management assembly base 120. In certain examples, theoptical fibers of the feeder cables can be protected within protectivetubes (e.g., buffer tubes, furcation tubes, etc.). In certain examples,the protective tubes 150 can have end portions anchored (i.e., secured,coupled attached, mounted, etc.) to the fiber management assembly base120. The protective tubes 150 can terminate at the anchoring locations151 and the optical fibers can continue beyond the end portions of theprotective tubes 150 into the fiber management assembly 30. Within thefiber management assembly 30, fibers are protected by the variouschannels and other structures of the trays of the fiber managementassembly 30 and therefor do not need the protection provided by theprotective tubes 150. The optical fibers are thus broken out from theprotective tubes 150 at the anchoring location 151 so that theprotective tubes 150 do not occupy the limited space provided within thefiber management assembly 30 and do not interfere with operations suchas splicing.

As shown at FIGS. 5 and 6, the anchoring locations 151 includeopen-topped pockets 152 defined adjacent the ends of the legs 128.Anchoring grommets 154 are positioned within the pockets 152. In certainexamples, the anchoring grommets 154 can be made of anelastomeric/elastic material such as rubber or foam. In certainexamples, the anchoring grommets 154 can have a durometer in the rangeof 40 to 60 Shore A. In certain examples, the anchoring grommets 154 canhave a durometer of around 50 Shore A.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 12-14 and 16, the anchoring grommets 154 havefirst and second opposite axial ends 156, 158. The anchoring grommets154 also define one or more passages 160 that extend axially through theanchoring grommets 154 from the first axial end 156 to the second axialend 158. In certain examples, the passages 160 can have a transversecross-sectional shape or profile that generally matches the shape orprofile of a protective tube 150 or other protective structure desiredto be secured within the anchoring grommet 154. Prior to receiving theprotective tubes, the transverse cross-sectional shapes of the passages160 can be smaller than the transverse cross-sectional shapes of theprotective tubes but the elastic construction of the grommets 160 allowsthe passages 160 top resiliently expand to accommodate the protectivetubes. In certain examples, anchoring grommet 154 defines two of thepassages 160.

As shown at FIG. 6, each of the anchoring grommets 154 also includes atransverse cross-sectional shape having a first end 162 and an oppositesecond end 164. The first and second ends 162, 164 are both curved withthe first end 162 having a greater radius of curvature as compared tothe second end 164. The outer transverse cross-sectional shape of theanchoring grommets 154 tapers inwardly as the shape extends from thefirst end 162 toward the second end 164 so as to define a general wedgeshape. The anchoring grommets 154 also define mid-line slots 166 thatextend axially through the anchoring grommets 154 from the first axialends 156 to the second axial ends 158. When viewed in transversecross-section, slots 166 have open ends adjacent the first ends 162 ofthe transverse cross-sectional profile and closed ends positioned nearthe second ends 164 of the transverse cross-sectional profiles. Theslots 166 bisect the passages 160. The anchoring grommets 154 defineflex or hinge regions 168 located between the closed ends of the slots166 and the second ends 164 of the transverse cross-sectional profiles.Hinge regions 168 allow the anchoring grommets 154 to be flexed apart toallow insertion of the protective tubes 150 containing the opticalfibers to be downwardly inserted into the passages 160.

Referring still to FIG. 6, the pockets 152 define transversecross-sectional profiles that are tapered to generally match thetransverse cross-sectional profiles of the anchoring grommets 154. Inthe depicted embodiment, the transverse cross-sectional profiles of thepockets 152 include side surfaces 153 that converge as the side surfacesextend in a downward direction. In certain examples, anchoring grommets54 have a height H1 that is larger than a height H2 of the pockets 152.In this way, the first ends 162 project above the anchoring pockets 152when the anchoring grommets 154 are mounted therein. The anchoringpockets 152 can also include end walls 170 (see FIG. 15) that opposeportions of the axial ends 156, 158 of the anchoring grommets 154. Inthis way, the anchoring grommets 154 are axially captured in the pockets152. The end walls 170 only partially cover the first and second axialends 156, 158 of the grommets 154 and do not overlap the passages 160.In this way, the end walls 170 do not interfere with the ability toroute the protective tubes 150 and the optical fibers through theanchoring grommets 154.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the anchoring grommets 154 are secured withinthe pockets 152 by strap-like securement structures such as cable ties172. The cable ties 172 extend over the first ends 162 of the anchoringgrommets and around the exteriors of the pockets 152. While tighteningthe cable ties 172, the anchoring grommets 154 are compressed therebyconstricting the passages 160 causing the anchoring grommets 154 toclamp upon the protective tubes 150. The converging side surfaces 153 ofthe pockets 152 work in combination with the wedge-shaped taper oftransverse cross-sectional shape of the grommets 154 to causecompression of the grommets 154 when forced downwardly into the pockets152 by the cable ties 172. In this way, the protective tubes 150 areanchored within the anchoring grommets 154 by a compressive clampingaction of the grommets 154. It will be appreciated that while theprotective tubes 150 are clamped within the anchoring grommets 154 theprotective tubes are not crushed by the grommets 154. Thus, the opticalfibers are not damaged within the protective tubes 150 by the anchoringgrommets 154.

For certain applications, additional structure can be provided for tyingdown protective sleeves or other protective wraps. For example,supplemental tie down structures such as end projections 174 can beprovided on the fiber management assembly base 120. As shown at FIG. 5,the supplemental tie down structures can be used to attach structuressuch as a spiral wrap 175 corresponding to a ribbon cable to the fibermanagement assembly base 120. The spiral wrap 175 is shown secured toone of the end projections 174 by a strap-like structure such as a cabletie. In the case of a fiber ribbon, the fiber ribbon includes aplurality of optical fibers protected within a polymeric matrix materialthat encapsulates the optical fibers thereby providing a protectivelayer surrounding the optical fibers. In certain examples, the anchoringgrommets 154 can have passages 160 with generally rectangularcross-sectional profiles suited for receiving and securing the fiberribbon. Beyond the anchoring grommets 154, the protective coating of thefiber ribbon can be removed such that individual fibers are routed tothe fiber management trays 122 for splicing or other operations.

It will be appreciated that the anchoring grommets 154 can havedifferent configurations depending upon the type of feeder cable routedthrough the optical termination enclosure 20. In this regard, theanchoring grommet 154 a is designed for use with larger protectivetubes, the anchoring grommet 154 b is designed for use with smallerprotective tubes and the anchoring grommet 154 c is adapted for use withfiber ribbons 300. In a given optical termination enclosure 20,typically only one style of anchoring grommet would be used unlessmultiple different types of feeder cables are routed through the opticaltermination enclosure 20. Therefore, the example of FIG. 6 where allthree types of anchoring grommets 154 a-154 c are depicted being used onone fiber management assembly base is mainly for illustration purposes.

Referring to FIG. 4, the cable anchoring and grounding assembly 32includes a plurality of cable anchoring and grounding units 220 thatmount at predetermined locations within the enclosure housing 22. Incertain examples, the cable anchoring and grounding units 220 mountwithin the housing base 34 at predetermined mounting locations. Asdepicted at FIG. 4, four of the cable anchoring and grounding units 220are shown mounted at the first end 56 of the enclosure housing 22 inalignment with the cable ports 26 defined at the first end 56 of theenclosure housing 22. Also, one of the cable anchoring and groundingunits 220 is shown mounted at the second end 58 of the enclosure housing22 in alignment with the cable port 26 defined at the second end 58 ofthe enclosure housing 22. In certain examples, the cable anchoring andgrounding units 220 can be pre-assembled outside the interior of theenclosure housing 22 and affixed to a cable outside the interior of theenclosure housing 22. After the cable anchoring and grounding units 220are assembled and secured to a corresponding fiber optic cable, thecable anchoring and grounding units 220 can be mounted (e.g., secured,latched, affixed, anchored, attached, etc.) within the interior of theenclosure housing 22 at predetermined mounting locations while thecorresponding cables remain attached thereto. In certain examples, thecable anchoring and grounding units 220 can be mounted to the enclosurehousing 22 by snap-fit connections or by other connection techniquessuch as fasteners. The ability to secure fiber optic cables to the cableanchoring and grounding units 220 outside the interior of the enclosurehousing 22 is advantageous because the various parts can be easilyaccessed for cable securement without concern for clearance issues.Thereafter, the cable anchoring and grounding units 220 can be mountedwithin the enclosure housing 22. Since the cables are attached to thecable anchoring and grounding units 220 outside the enclosure housing22, the cable anchoring and grounding units 220 can be mounted close toone another within the enclosure housing 22 without requiring fingerclearance or other types of clearances typically necessary forconventional cable anchors.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, each of the cable anchoring and groundingunits 220 includes an anchor base 222 adapted to be attached to thehousing enclosure 22. In the depicted example, the anchor base 222includes flexible anchoring tabs 224 that engage correspondingcomponents (e.g., shoulders, openings, notches, rails, etc.) provided atpredetermined mounting locations within the enclosure housing 22 so asto provide a snap-fit connection between the enclosure housing 22 andthe anchor base 222. In this way, the anchor base 222 can be easily andsecurely affixed to the enclosure housing (e.g., to the housing base34). In certain examples, anchor base 222 is manufactured from a molded,plastic material.

Referring to FIG. 8, the anchor base 222 includes a top side having atop platform 226. In certain examples, the top platform 226 can includea major, planar surface 228. Elongate side rails 230 can be provided onthe planar surface 228. The side rails 230 can be generally parallel andinclude a stepped configuration. The side rails 230 can cooperate todefine an elongate open-topped channel 232 having a length that extendsalong a cable routing axis 234. A bottom-most surface of the channel 232is defined by the planar surface 228 of the top platform 226. The siderails 230 define stepped-up surfaces 236 that are elevated relative tothe bottom-most surface of the channel 232. The anchor base 220 alsoincludes a bottom side that defines a clearance opening 238 (i.e., aclearance recess) that extends through a width of the anchor base 220 ata location beneath the channel 232.

The cable anchoring and grounding unit 220 also includes a cable cover240 that is connected to the anchor base 220 by a living hinge 242. Thecable cover 240 defines an open-bottomed channel 244 adapted tocooperate with the open-topped channel 232 of the anchor base 222 so asto form a jacket clamp 245 adapted to clamp upon a jacket 264 of a cable262 routed along the cable routing axis 234 to assist in securing thecable 262 to the cable anchoring and grounding unit 220 (see FIG. 7). Aplurality of transverse ribs 246 are positioned within the open-bottomedchannel 244. The transverse ribs 246 are transversely oriented relativeto the cable routing axis 234. The cable cover 240 also includes strapretaining shoulders 248 positioned at a top side of the cable cover 240.The strap retaining shoulders 248 are spaced-apart along the cablerouting axis 234. A strap recess 250 is provided between the strapretaining shoulders 248. The strap recess 250 and the clearance opening238 cooperate to define a circumferential channel that surrounds jacketclamp 245 and the cable routing axis 234.

Referring to FIG. 8, the cable anchoring and grounding unit 220 alsoincludes a strap-style clamp actuator 252 having a band or strap 254that is tightened by a bolt 256. The bolt 256 is mounted within a sleeve258 attached to the strap 254. Threads of the bolt 256 engagecorresponding slots 260 in the strap 254 such that the strap 254 istightened (e.g., cinched) when the bolt 256 is rotated within the sleeve258 in a first direction, and the strap 254 is loosened when the bolt256 is rotated in a second direction within the sleeve 258. It will beappreciated that the clamp actuator 254 has the construction of aconventional hose-clamp.

In certain examples, the clamp actuator 254 can be used to affix thecable 262 within the jacket clamp 245 defined by the cable cover 240 andthe anchor base 222 by forcing the cable cover 240 and the anchor base22 together such that the cable is clamped thereinbetween. The strap 254is routed around the jacket clamp 245 along the circumferential channeldefined by the recess 250 of the cable cover 240 and the clearanceopening 238 defined through the width of the anchor base 220. Theclearance opening 238 also provides space for receiving the sleeve 258and the bolt 256 of the clamp 254. To secure the cable 262 to the anchorbase 222, the cable 262 is first positioned over the top platform 226 soas to extend along the cable routing axis 234. Next, the cable cover 240is positioned over the top of the cable 262 such that the cable 262 iscaptured between the cable cover 240 and the open-bottom channel 244 ofthe anchor base 222. The strap 254 of the clamp actuator 252 ispositioned around the jacket clamp 245. The clamp actuator 252 istightened by turning the bolt 256 such that the strap 254 constrictsthereby compressing the cable 262 between the open-top channel 232 ofthe anchor base 222 and the open-bottom channel 244 of the cable cover240. The transverse ribs 246 can embed within a jacket 264 of the cable262 to provide enhanced axial retention of the cable 262. The jacketclamp 245 forms a jacket anchoring location of the cable anchoring andgrounding unit 220.

The cable anchoring and grounding unit 220 also includes a platearrangement 266. The plate arrangement 266 includes a bottom plate 268and a top plate 270. In certain examples, the top and bottom plates 268,270 are constructed of an electrically conductive material such asmetal. In certain examples, the plate arrangement 266 can provide anumber of different functions. In one example, the plate arrangement 266can include one or more structures that provide enhanced retention ofthe cable 262 with respect to the anchoring base 222. In anotherexample, the plate arrangement 266 can include structure for making anelectrical connection with a conductive shield of the cable 262, and formaking an electrical connection to ground.

The bottom plate 268 of the plate arrangement 266 includes a lowersection 272 that is generally planar and that includes a portion thatseats upon the top platform 226 of the anchor base 222. The lowersection 272 defines a through-slot 274 that aligns with a correspondingopening 276 defined by the top platform 228 of the anchor base 222. Thelower section 272 also includes a strip portion 278 that extends throughthe channel 232 between the side rails 230 of the anchor base 222. Thelower section 272 further includes a grounding tab 280 that defines anopening 282 for receiving a fastener used to electrically connect thegrounding tab 280 to a grounding strip or other grounded structureprovided within the enclosure housing 22. In certain examples, thegrounding strip or other grounding structure can be electricallyconnected to a grounding wire routed into the interior of the enclosurehousing 22 through the grounding cable port 28.

The bottom plate 268 also includes an upper section 282 connected to thelower section 272 by a ramp section 281. The upper section 282 includesa finger section 286 and a stop section 288. The stop section 288projects upwardly from the finger section 286 and forms a positive stopagainst which a strength member 290 of the cable 262 can abut. Astrength member clamp arrangement 292 is configured to mount on theupper section 282. The strength member clamp arrangement 292 includes aclamp housing 294 through which the finger section 286 extends. Theclamp housing 294 includes an upper clamping region 296 having agenerally V-shaped transverse cross-section. The clamp housing 294 alsoincludes a bottom wall 298 through which an actuating element such as afastener 300 extends. In one example, the fastener 300 is a bolt or ascrew having threads that engage corresponding threads defined in thebottom wall 298. When the fastener 300 is threaded in a first directionwith respect to the bottom wall 298, a free end of the fastener 300moves towards the clamping region 296. By threading the fastener 300 inan opposite direction, the free end of the fastener 300 moves away fromthe clamping region 296. As shown at FIG. 7, the strength member clamparrangement 292 is used to clamp the strength member 290 of the cable262.

In certain examples, the jacket 264 of the cable 262 is clamped at thejacket anchoring location defined by the jacket clamp 245 and thestrength member 290 is clamped at the strength member clamp arrangement292. As depicted in FIG. 7, the jacket 264 terminates at an end of thejacket clamp 245 and the strength member 290 extends beyond the jacketclamp 245 to a strength member clamping location defined by the strengthmember clamp arrangement 292. In certain examples, an end of thestrength member abuts against the stop section 288. In certain examples,the strength member 290 is relatively stiff and can have a constructionthat includes a glass-reinforced polymer such as fiberglass reinforcedepoxy. As shown at FIG. 7, the strength member fits between the clampingregion 296 of the clamping housing 294 and the finger section 286 of theupper section 282 of the bottom plate 268. By tightening the fastener300, strength member 290 is clamped between the finger section 286 andthe clamping region 296.

The top plate 270 includes a first end 304 and an opposite second end306. A downward tab 208 is positioned at the first end 304 and adownward extension 310 is positioned at the second end 306. When thecable anchoring and grounding unit 220 is assembled, the bottom plate268 is positioned on the top platform 226 and the top plate 270 mountsover the bottom plate 268. Preferably, the top and bottom plates 266,268 are in contact with one another so that an electrical connection ismade between the top and bottom plates 268, 270. With the top plate 270mounted on the bottom plate 268, the downward tab 308 extends downwardlybeyond the bottom plate 268 and opposes an end wall 312 of the anchorbase 222. The downward extension 310 extends through the through slot274 of the bottom plate 268 and also through the opening 276 in the topplatform 226 of the anchor base 222. Preferably, the downward extension310 is configured to make a snap-fit connection or other type ofconnection with the anchor base 222.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the bottom plate 268 includes a main section314 that extends between the first and second ends 304, 306. A pluralityof projections 316 project upwardly from the main section 314. Incertain examples, projections 316 are configured to embed within thejacket 364 of the cable 362 when the cable 262 is clamped at the jacketanchoring location. In this way, the projections 316 can assist inenhancing the anchoring effect provided by the jacket anchoringlocation. Additionally, when the cable 362 is a shielded cable, theprojections 316 can penetrate completely through the jacket 264 so as toengage and make electrical contact with the shield layer of the cable262. In this way, the projections 316 allow the shield layer to beelectrically connected to the plate assembly 266 for grounding purposes.

Referring to FIG. 9, it will be appreciated that different bottom plates268 can be utilized to allow the cable anchoring and grounding unit 220to be customized for a certain application. For example, for designflexibility, bottom plates 268 can be provided with grounding tabs oneither the left or right side. Additionally, for applications wheregrounding is not necessary (e.g., for cables with no shielding), abottom plate without a grounding tab can be utilized.

In use optical termination enclosure 20, a feeder cable 262 is initiallyprocessed (e.g. the jacket is ring cut) to remove a portion of thejacket thereby exposing the interior fibers and also exposing a sectionof the strength member 290. The strength member 290 is trimmed to adesired length relative to an end 318 of the jacket 264 corresponding toan entrance section of the feeder cable 262. The entrance section of thecable 262 enters the optical termination enclosure 20 through one of thecable ports 26. The length of the strength member 290 is selected suchthat an end of the strength member 290 abuts against the stop section280 when an entrance section of the cable 262 is positioned within theopen-topped channel of the anchor base 222. With the entrance section ofthe cable 262 positioned along the cable routing axis within theopen-topped channel of the cable base 222, the cable cover 240 ispivoted to a position where the cable is captured between the cablecover 240 and the top platform 226 of the anchor base 222. The clampactuator 250 is then mounted around the cable cover 240 and the anchorbase 220 and tightened to clamp the end of the cable entrance section ofthe cable 262 within the jacket clamp 245. As the clamp 252 istightened, the projections 216 embed in the jacket 264 and makeelectrical contact with a shield of the cable 262. With the cable jacketclamped by the jacket clamp 245, an end portion of the strength memberof the cable 262 is positioned at the strength member clamping locationwithin the clamp housing 294. By tightening the fastener 300, thestrength member 290 is clamped in place at the strength member clampinglocation. As previously described, the strength member can be clampedbetween the clamping region 296 of the clamp housing 294 and the fingersection 286. Once the cable 262 is fully secured to the cable anchoringand grounding unit 220, the cable anchoring and grounding unit 220 canbe mounted (e.g., snap-fitted) at a predetermined mounting locationwithin the enclosure housing 222. Thereafter, the grounding tab 280 canbe electrically connected to a grounding strip provided within theenclosure housing 22 to provide grounding of the cable 262.

Fibers desired to be accessed within the enclosure can be routed fromthe corresponding cable anchoring and grounding unit 220 to the fibermanagement assembly 30. In certain examples, the fibers desired to beaccessed at the fiber management assembly 30 can be protected within theprotective tubes 150 that are routed from the corresponding cableanchoring and grounding unit 220 to the fiber management assembly 30.The protective tubes 150 can be anchored to the fiber managementassembly 30 by the grommets 154. Fibers that are passed through theenclosure without being accessed/terminated can have excess fiber lengthstored in a fiber management loop beneath the fiber management assembly30. The fibers can exit the optical termination enclosure 20 via an exitcable section of the cable 262 that is routed through another one of thecable ports 26. The exit cable portion of the cable 262 can be anchoredto the enclosure by another one of the cable anchoring and groundingunits 220 in the same manner described above with respect to theentrance cable section of the cable 262. Referring to FIGS. 17-20,another example optical termination enclosure 400 is depicted inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The opticaltermination enclosure 400 includes an enclosure housing 402 which ispreferably re-enterable and environmentally sealed. The opticaltermination enclosure 400 further includes a plurality of ruggedizedconnector ports 404 adapted for receiving ruggedized connectors. Incertain examples, the ruggedized connectors are mounted at the ends ofdrop cables routed to subscriber locations. The ruggedized connectorports 404 are preferably environmentally sealed. The optical terminationenclosure 400 also includes a plurality of cable ports 406 for allowingfiber optic cables to be routed into and out of the enclosure housing402. Preferably, the cable ports 406 provided sealed interfaces with thefiber optic cables routed there through. In certain examples, the fiberoptic cables can be routed in a straight pass-through configuration orin a butt-style pass-through configuration. The optical terminationenclosure 400 further includes a grounding cable port 408 for receivinga grounding cable in a sealed manner.

Referring still to FIGS. 19 and 20, the enclosure housing 402 of theoptical termination enclosure 400 includes a housing base 410 pivotallyconnected to a housing cover 412 by a hinge 414. The hinge 414 allowsthe housing base 410 and the housing cover 412 to pivot relative to oneanother about a pivot axis 416 between a closed configuration (see FIG.17) and an open position (see FIG. 20). The enclosure housing 402includes a first side 418 (see FIG. 17) and an opposite second side 420.The hinge 416 extends along the first side 418 of the enclosure housing402 and a latch 422 is provided at the second side 420 of the enclosurehousing 402. The latch 422 is configured to retain the housing base 410and the housing cover 412 in the closed configuration of FIG. 17. Byopening the latch 422, the enclosure housing 402 can be moved to theopen configuration of FIG. 20.

In certain examples, the enclosure housing 402 is environmentally sealedand adapted for outdoor use. Similar to the enclosure housing 22 shownin FIG. 2, the enclosure housing 402 can also include a perimeter seal(not shown) for providing environmental sealing between the housing base410 and the housing cover 412 when the enclosure housing 402 is in theclosed configuration. The perimeter seal can be mounted within aperimeter channel 424 defined by the housing base 410. The perimeterseal may flow/deform to fill voids within the perimeter channel 424 toform the peripheral seal of the enclosure housing 402, and to form sealsaround any cables positioned within cable ports 406.

Referring to FIG. 20, the enclosure housing 402 can be elongated along ahousing axis 426. The housing axis 426 can extend between opposite firstand second ends 428, 430 of the enclosure housing 402. The cable ports406 as well as the cable grounding port 408 are provided at the firstend 428 of the enclosure housing 402. At least one of the cable ports406 can also be provided at the second end 430 of the enclosure housing402. In certain examples, the cable ports 406 can be configured forrouting a feeder cable into and out of the enclosure housing 402. In abutt-style pass-through configuration, a feeder cable enters theenclosure housing 402 through one of the cable ports 406 at the firstend 428 of the enclosure housing 402 and exits the enclosure housing 402through another one of the cable ports 406 at the first end 428 of theenclosure housing 402. In a straight pass-through configuration, thefeeder cable enters the enclosure housing 402 through one of the cableports 406 at the first end 428 of the enclosure housing 402 and exitsthe enclosure housing 402 through the cable port 406 at the second end430 of the enclosure housing 402. Within the enclosure housing 402, atleast one of the optical fibers of the feeder cable is accessed. Incertain examples, the portion of the feeder cable positioned within theenclosure housing 402 has the jacket removed to facilitate accessing theoptical fibers.

The housing base 410 of the enclosure housing 402 can include structurefor mounting the optical termination enclosure 400 in the field. Incertain examples, the optical termination enclosure 400 can be mountedaerially or underground. In certain examples, the housing base 410 caninclude mounting tabs 432 for use in mounting the optical terminationenclosure 400 to a wall of a handhole, to a post, to a pole or toanother structure with the use of fasteners, straps, ties, or otherstructures. In certain examples, the optical termination enclosure 400can further include a bracket or other structure having openings thatfacilitate mounting the optical termination enclosure 400 to aself-supporting aerial cable or other structure via the fasteningelements such as straps, ties, or other fasteners.

The housing base 410 can include a cradle 434 for receiving and mountingthe fiber management assembly 30. The cradle 434 can include a cradlewall 436 arranged in a generally U-shaped configuration. The cradle wall436 projects forwardly from a rear wall 438 of the housing base 410. Aplurality of support columns 440 also project forwardly from the rearwall 438. The support columns 440 are positioned along an inner side ofthe cradle wall 436. The housing base 410 can also include a fiber bendradius limiter 442 (e.g., a curved fiber guide wall) that projectsforwardly from the rear wall 438.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, each of the cable ports 406 definepassages 444 that extend between opposite ends 446, 448 thereof. Cablescan be routed through the passages 444 of the cable ports 406 and aresealed thereabout. In one example, the housing base 410 and the housingcover 412 each define recesses 450 at the opposite ends 446, 448 of thecable ports 406. The recesses 450 in both the housing base and cover410, 412 are structured to receive a cable insert assembly 452. Thecable insert assembly 452 is formed of a polymeric material thatprovides flexibility when placed within a rigid housing. The cableinsert assembly 452 can include first insert members 452 a and secondinsert members 452 b. The first insert members 452 a can be located inthe cover 412 and the second insert members 452 b can be located in thebase 410.

Referring to FIG. 23, an enlarged view of the cable insert assembly 452is shown. The cable insert assembly 452 includes a main body frame 454with a bottom side 456 and a top side 458. In the depicted example, thetop side 458 of the main body frame 454 of the insert assembly 452defines cutouts 460 that align with cable ports 406 when the insertassembly 452 is inserted within recesses 450 to form respective seals.

In the example shown, the insert assembly 452 includes four cutouts 460designed as half-circle segments, although alternatives are possible. Asnoted above, the cable insert assembly 452 is positioned in both thecover 412 and the base 410. When the housing cover 412 and the housingbase 410 are mated together each of the respective cutouts 460 ofhalf-circles of the first and second insert members 452 a, 452 b canmate or be fitted together one on top of the other, which has the effectof respectively completing a full circle or cable insertion opening 470(e.g., port openings). Again, each of the cutouts 460 are configured toalign with a respective one of the cable ports 406 to provide a sealabout a cable.

As shown, the cutouts 460 defined in the insert assembly 452 areseparated by intermediate portions 462 of the insert assembly 452. Theintermediate portions 462 connecting the cutouts 460 of the insertassembly 452 together as one single piece. The depicted insert assembly452 is designed for four parallel cable lead-ins.

Recesses 450 and bottom sides 456 of the insert assembly 452 bothinclude intermating rounded profiles to allow the insert assembly 452 tobe inserted within recesses 450 adjacent cable ports 406 as shown inFIG. 24. The intermediate portions 462 of the insert assembly 452 alignwith portions 464 of the housing base 410 when the insert assembly 452is inserted in recesses 450. The portions 464 of the housing base 410are located between each of the cable ports 406.

The cable insert assembly 452 includes a plurality of fingers 466 thatare formed in each of the cutouts 460 to help form a seal. For example,a plurality of slits can be defined in each one of the at least onehalf-circle segment of the first and second insert members 452 a, b toform the plurality of fingers 466. The plurality of fingers can extendin a first, single plane orientation P, as the cable is inserted in thecable insertion opening 470. The fingers 466 are all shown lying in thefirst, single plane orientation P and radiating outward.

The fingers 466 are separated by slits 468 such that the fingers 466flex upon insertion of a cable therein. The plurality of fingers 466 canflex to extend in a second orientation to form a seal about the cable asthe cable is inserted. For example, the fingers 466 can flex inwardly inthe second orientation such that the second orientation is substantiallyperpendicular to the first, single plane orientation as the cable isinserted through the cable insertion opening.

In addition to different opening counts, the insert assembly 450 canhave different opening sizes and different opening shapes to accommodatedifferent cable types. The insert assembly 452 can be used to allowcables to be inserted through various size port openings. When thehousing cover 412 is pivoted closed onto the housing base 410, theinsert assemblies 452 positioned in the housing base 410 and the housingcover 412 align to form port openings 470 (e.g., cable insertionopening) at the first end 428 of the enclosure housing 402. The fingers466 of the insert assembly 452 are flexible such that when a cable isinserted therethrough, the fingers 466 project inwardly with the cable.

The insert assembly 452 can also be used to prevent sealant from comingout of the cable port. The insert assembly 452 can be dropped into theenclosure housing 402 as one piece with the fingers 466 of the cutouts460 being integrated therein. When the housing cover 412 is pivotedclosed onto the housing base 410, a sealant within the enclosure housing402 can be compressed to apply pressure onto the fingers 466 of theinsert assembly 452. The fingers 466 may bow and flex inwardly with thecable such that a seal is formed thereabout. The fingers 466 of theinsert assembly 452 hold the sealant inside the enclosure housing 402.The sealant may comprise gel and/or gel combined with another materialsuch as an elastomer. The gel may, for example, comprise silicone gel,urea gel, urethane gel, thermoplastic gel, or any suitable gel or geloidsealing material. The sealant may also comprise of a rubber material.

It will be appreciated that seals can be designed for one cable lead-inas a separate single insert formed and adapted to removably seal onecable port. For example, the insert assembly 452 may include oneseparate cutout 460 for sealing a single cable port 406 as shown at thesecond end 430 of the enclosure housing 402.

From the forgoing detailed description, it will be evident thatmodifications and variations can be made in the methods of thedisclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fiber break-out system for anchoring aprotective structure that protects one or more optical fibers, the fiberbreak-out system comprising: a component defining an open-topped pocket;a resilient grommet that mounts within the open-topped pocket, theresilient grommet defining a passage for receiving the protectivestructure; and a strap-type securement structure routed over theresilient grommet and around the open-topped pocket for compressing theresilient grommet within the open-topped pocket.
 2. The fiber break-outsystem of claim 1, wherein the resilient grommet has a durometer in therange of 40-60 Shore A.
 3. The fiber break-out system of claim 1,wherein the resilient grommet defines an access slot for allowing theprotective structure to be inserted into the passage.
 4. The fiberbreak-out system of claim 1, wherein the resilient grommet has a heightthat is greater than a corresponding height of the pocket.
 5. The fiberbreak-out system of claim 1, wherein the strap-type securement structureincludes a cable-tie.
 6. The fiber break-out system of claim 1, whereinthe resilient grommet has a wedge-shaped transverse cross-sectionalprofile, wherein the pocket converging surfaces that work in combinationwith the wedge-shaped transverse cross-sectional profile of theresilient grommet to cause compression of the resilient grommet when theresilient grommet is forced downwardly into the pocket.
 7. The fiberbreak-out system of claim 1, wherein the protective structure is aprotective tube, and wherein the passage has a circular transversecross-sectional shape that corresponds to a transverse cross-sectionalshape of the protective tube.
 8. The fiber break-out system of claim 1,wherein the protective structure is a ribbon matrix, and wherein thepassage has a rectangular transverse cross-sectional shape thatcorresponds to a transverse cross-sectional shape of the ribbon matrix.9. A cable anchoring unit for anchoring a cable, the cable anchoringunit comprising: an anchor base adapted to be mounted at a mountinglocation of a supporting component, the anchor base having a top sidethat defines an open-topped channel having a length that extends along acable routing axis, the anchor base having a bottom side defining aclearance recess positioned beneath the channel; a cable cover thatmounts over the open-topped channel of the anchor base, the cable coverhaving a bottom side that forms an open-bottom channel that opposes theopen topped-channel of the anchor base and cooperates with theopen-topped base to form a cable jacket clamp for clamping a jacket ofthe cable; a strap-type clamp actuator that extends through theclearance recess and over the cable cover for forcing the cable covertoward the anchor base to provide a jacket clamping action; a firstplate that mounts on the top side of the anchor base, the first plateincluding lower section, an upper section and a ramp section thatextends between the lower and upper sections, the lower section beingsupported at the top side of the anchor base, the upper section beingelevated relative to the lower section, the upper section including afinger section and a stop section that forms a positive stop foropposing an end of a strength member of the cable; and a strength memberclamp arrangement for clamping the strength member of the cable, thestrength member clamp arrangement being configured to mount on thefinger section of the top section of the first plate.
 10. The cableanchoring unit of claim 9, wherein the anchor base is configured toattach to the mounting location of the supporting component by asnap-fit connection.
 11. The cable anchoring unit of claim 9, whereinthe first plate includes a grounding tab.
 12. The cable anchoring unitof claim 9, wherein the anchor base and the cable cover are moldedplastic parts, and wherein the cable cover is connected to the anchorbase by a living hinge.
 13. The cable anchoring unit of claim 9, whereinthe strength member clamp arrangement includes a clamp housing throughwhich the finger section extends, and wherein the strength member clamparrangement also includes an actuating element coupled to the clamphousing.
 14. The cable anchoring unit of claim 13, wherein the clamphousing has an upper clamping region having a generally v-shapedtransverse cross-section, and wherein the clamp housing has a bottomwall through which the actuating element extends.
 15. The cableanchoring unit of claim 14, wherein the actuating element includes athreaded member that threads within an opening defined through thebottom wall of the clamp housing.
 16. The cable anchoring unit of claim9, wherein the cable cover defines a plurality of ribs within theopen-bottomed channel that are spaced apart from one another along thecable routing axis, the ribs being transversely oriented relative to thecable routing axis.
 17. The cable anchoring unit of claim 9, furthercomprising a second plate that mounts over the first plate, the secondplate having a plurality of upper projections configured to embed withinthe jacket of the cable.
 18. The cable anchoring unit of claim 17,wherein the first and second plates are electrically conductive and arein electrical contact with one another, and wherein the projections areconfigured to make electrical contact with a shield layer of the cable.19. The cable anchoring unit of claim 18, wherein the second plateincludes a downward extension a first end that extends through anopening in the first plate and engages the anchor base by a snap-fitconnection.
 20. The cable anchoring unit of claim 19, wherein the firstplate includes a grounding tab.
 21. A cable insert assembly for sealinga cable in an optical termination enclosure, the optical terminationenclosure including a cover and a base, the cable insert assemblycomprising: first insert members and second insert members, the firstinsert members being located in the cover and the second insert membersbeing located in the base; at least one half-circle segment formed ineach one of the first and second insert members, the cover being mountedon the base such that the at least one half-circle segment of the firstinsert members is fitted with the at least one half-circle segment ofthe second insert members to form a cable insertion opening; and aplurality of slits defined in each one of the at least one half-circlesegment of the first and second insert members to form a plurality offingers; the plurality of fingers being extended in a first, singleplane orientation, as the cable is inserted in the cable insertionopening, the plurality of fingers flex to extend in a second orientationto form a seal about the cable.
 22. The cable insert of claim 21,wherein the first and second insert members of the cable insert assemblyeach includes a substantially curved bottom edge.
 23. The cable insertof claim 21, wherein the fingers flex inwardly in the second orientationthat is substantially perpendicular to the first, single planeorientation as the cable is inserted through the cable insertionopening.